Of Sheet Material Patents (Class 248/174)
  • Patent number: 6478268
    Abstract: A display stand for supporting a conventional cooler chest or other product holding container including a first member foldable to form a shell for receiving the cooler chest, a second member positionable within the shell for supporting the cooler chest when positioned thereon, and a third member positionable within the shell providing a floor surface for holding the cooler chest, the third member being located within the shell such that the shell wraps around the side walls of the cooler chest when the cooler chest is positioned on the third member. The third member further includes an extension portion foldable to form a drain spout, the drain spout being positionable through a door assembly associated with the first member for funneling the waste water away from the cooler chest to a suitable container positioned exterior of the display stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Bidwell, Rebecca J. Bidwell, Andrew J. Covault, Keith Harbour
  • Patent number: 6474483
    Abstract: A shelving system constructed from paper includes at least one column made from paper that is sufficiently rigid and strong to support an intended object, and at least one shelf supported by the column, which shelf includes a surface on which the intended object may be placed. The column and shelf may be constructed from a sheet of paper designed to be folded into the column and shelf respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Paper Solutions Ink, Corp.
    Inventors: Aldred W. Montoya, Larry J. Bonzoumet
  • Patent number: 6446921
    Abstract: The display utility stand of the present invention is an aesthetically pleasing and durable collapsible portable display stand, which incorporates a minimal number of movable parts. The display utility stand may be adapted for supporting and stabilizing a wide variety of shapes, sizes and weights. The main panels are connected by a pair of top support supported by a left side support and a right side support which are also connected to the main panels. The left and right side supports are hinged at a horizontal median point of the respective by one or more hinge means at the inner ends of the left and right side panels. The top support is located superior to each of the side supports and folds upward as the first and second main panels are pressed together and the display stand is converted into a collapsed condition for easy and safe transfer or storage. There is provided an optional fixture for supporting various shapes as well as an optional door for storage beneath the stand upon erection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Alan K. Maschhoff
  • Patent number: 6408554
    Abstract: A visual display system for slidably engaging between a mattress and a box-spring for use in a retail furniture sales setting comprising a base; a first vertical front surface connected to the base; an angled front surface connected to the first vertical front surface having an angle of incidence from the first vertical front surface of between 10 and 40 degrees; a second vertical front surface connected to the angled front surface having a top edge; a back vertical panel secured to said top edge forming a first slot between second vertical front surface and back vertical panel for holding product information; and an angled back panel connected to said back vertical panel forming a second slot between the angled front surface and the angled back panel for holding product information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas S. Przylucki
  • Patent number: 6394290
    Abstract: A foldable, point-of-purchase display stand is disclosed. The display stand is manufactured from a piece sheet of corrugated board. The display stand has a shelf that is secured by a hook affixed with a pop rivet or eyelet. The disclosed stand is stable for weight-bearing for use in the advertising industry for displaying books and magazines. The display stand of the invention is quickly and easily assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Abington Litho and Display Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Walsh, Jack E. Clemence
  • Patent number: 6382581
    Abstract: A paper easel for supporting one or more sheets of paper on a work surface includes a bendable sheet of material having a center panel separating a right wing panel from a left wing panel. The center panel is divided from the right wing panel by a right crease line such that the right wing panel is pivotable with respect to the center panel along the right crease line. Furthermore, the center panel is divided from the left wing panel by a left crease line such that the left wing panel is pivotable with respect to the center panel along the left crease line. Further, the left wing panel includes a bottom edge for resting on the work surface, and a left foot panel extending forwardly from a lower front portion thereof. The right wing panel also includes a bottom edge for resting on the work surface, and a right foot panel extending forwardly from a lower front portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Glen Wade Duff
  • Patent number: 6382433
    Abstract: A display assembly constructed primarily of fluted plastic material comprising two triangular vertical end columns, a center wall between the columns, and a header extending between the tops of the two end columns to provide lateral stability and additional display area. If desired, one or more middle columns may be added to widen the display area. The display is manufactured to be delivered to the user in a flat knocked-down folded condition. The display is designed to be easily assembled by the user at the point of use without any tools or connectors other than those that are a part of and integral to the fluted plastic panels which are assembled to form the display. Fabric may or may not be laminated to the vertical end and/or middle columns; if not, use of translucent plastic materials for such columns permits internal backlights to be used. Optional extension columns may also be attached to the end columns to widen the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Vengra Design Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Podergois
  • Patent number: 6375385
    Abstract: A flexible support is constructed by mechanically laminating a plurality of relatively wide, thin, elongate flexible members together. The members are preferably formed of spring steel, and each individually is quite flexible due to the thin configuration. Preferably, each of the members is curved about its longitudinal axis to provide additional rigidity. The members are used to support traffic delineators, road signs, and/or other objects as desired, with the strength and resiliency required being adjusted by adjusting the number of individual members comprising each laminated support. The flexibility may be further adjusted by placement of one or more tension adjusters at one or more points along the length of the laminated support, with the attachments for the tension adjusters also being used to secure the laminations together. The fasteners used may be installed through holes formed through the support, or may pass laterally about the sides or edges of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory B. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6347772
    Abstract: A display unit having a front face and a structure for supporting the front face in a vertical position when the display unit is in a use position. The supporting structure has an assembly element extending from a pair of sides of the front face and being folded over the front face. The supporting structure also has a traction member adapted to connect between the assembly elements for asserting a traction force thereto. The traction member, after being connected to the assembly elements, is movable between the use position and a storing position. In the use position the traction member forces the assembly elements toward each other so that the front face assumes a convex shape. In the storing position the traction member is forced to extend so the convex front face resumes a flat shape for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: François L'Hotel
  • Patent number: 6325343
    Abstract: A combination foldable and separable lectern apparatus, which comprises at least seven foam panels. The right side of the second foam panel is pivotally secured to the left side of the first foam panel with a hinge means. The left side of a third foam panel is pivotally secured to the right side of the first foam panel with a hinge means. The lower side of a fourth foam panel is optionally pivotally secured to the upper side of the first foam panel with a hinge means. The right side of a fifth foam panel is pivotally secured to the left side of the fourth foam panel with a hinge means, and the left side of a sixth foam panel is pivotally secured to the right side of the fourth foam panel with a hinge means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Patent number: 6305652
    Abstract: A device for conveniently supporting a laptop computer on the lap of the user thereof, and more particularly to such a device which is substantially universally adjustable for supporting the computer in a preferred and optimal position for use. In its broadest aspects, the device is a portable, adjustable laptop (notebook) computer support. The device can also be used to support other portable data devices that have keyboards, such as pen-input-type computers and personal, electronic data organizers. The device is highly advantageous in that it provides for conveniently supporting a laptop computer on the lap of the user thereof in a preferred and optimal position for use even when the user is seated in any one of a wide variety of sub-optimal positions. The device is further advantageous in that it is lightweight, portable and substantially universally adjustable within a defined range of support surface angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Chad Borke, Eric R. Weigeshoff, Naomi Wielgos
  • Publication number: 20010030272
    Abstract: A holder, for written or printed material, especially for use with a computer monitor, is provided. The holder has a panel that is intended to be placed under a computer monitor. A support member for printed material is connected to the panel and extends at an angle therefrom. A raised lip can be interposed between the panel and the support member, with the lip extending perpendicular to the panel, and the support member extending at an acute angle from the lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Akram W. Moore
  • Patent number: 6302283
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display rack primarily including a main frame made of light-weight plastic corrugated board and a number of movable partitions supported by a number of supporting pieces fixed on the main frame so that the main frame is divided by the partitions into a number of holding rooms. The present invention is characterized in that the corrugated board of the main frame has a plurality of grooved rails longitudinally disposed in parallel. The supporting pieces are made of hard material and include at least one blocking extension strip at one side thereof which is vertical to the surface of the supporting pieces. The surface of the supporting piece is fitted with a locking groove near the bottom end of the blocking extension strip in order that the protruding blocking extension strip of the supporting piece is able to be inserted into the grooved rails while the locking groove near the bottom end of the blocking extension strip is fixed on the surface of the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Chun Yeh
  • Patent number: 6282828
    Abstract: A self-supporting, frame system for a photo, print or any other flat material. The system is compromised of at least one flat, stiff piece of material and one main piece of material flexible enough to manually distort slightly. In one embodiment an item to be displayed is sandwiched between two stiff pieces of material and is inserted into a uniquely shaped hole(s) cut into the flexible main piece of the photo frame. The shaped hole(s) is cut such that a portion of the main flexible piece presses against the front of the sandwich while another portion presses against the back of the sandwich. After the sandwich is inserted and the flexible material is allowed to return to its original shape, the sandwich is pressed together effectively capturing the photo or the like in the sandwich.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Renzo Cecchetto
  • Patent number: 6269948
    Abstract: An article for use with a laptop computing device protects the device during periods of non-use, including transport, while stabilizing the device when positioned on a user's lap. The article provides a base panel having front, rear and two side sections, a lower surface adapted to rest on a user's lap, and an upper surface to receive the bottom surface of the laptop device. The preferred embodiment includes two side panels, each with a storage compartment, which may be dressed over the user's thighs to assist in stabilizing the laptop device during use. Attachment means are preferably provided for securing the side panels to one another across the top surface of the computing device during periods of non-use or transport. Preferably flexible front and rear panels may also be folded over and onto the top surface of the computer in overlapping fashion beneath the secured side panels to create a protective device wrapper in conjunction with surrounding closure means and a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: W. Shaun Jackson
  • Patent number: 6269961
    Abstract: A foldable support rack having a body member, four hinge portions that are preferably living hinges, tabs extending from opposed ends of the body member, and holes in the body member for engaging the tabs. Additional holes in the body member are dimensioned for receiving articles for support by the rack. The rack is foldable from a first extended position to a second supporting position, forming two portions with triangular cross sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: M. Kamenstein, Inc.
    Inventor: V. Lorenzo Porcelli
  • Patent number: 6234433
    Abstract: A point of sale display stand includes a peg type article display and a display support that has a collapsible state and a deployed state. The support comprises two triangular sidewalls with medial foldlines and spaced upper and lower rear walls connected by foldlines to the sidewalls. A flat sheet material brace is attached to the lowermost support rear wall by a foldline. An elastomeric member is connected to the brace and display rear wall. The brace and support rear and sidewalls fold in overlying relation in a collapsed state stretching the elastomeric member creating a potential energy tensile load therein. Initial lifting the support lowermost rear wall in the deployment direction automatically snap releases the brace to a deployed locked state deploying the support walls such that the support is in position to support the article display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Thomas Maglione
  • Patent number: 6227504
    Abstract: The present invention discloses blanks and the stands formed therefrom for holding and supporting cards. The stand can display creased greeting cards either horizontally or vertically. The blank includes a triangular-shaped base section having in its first adaptation, a pair of diverging side panels and diverging foldable joints, and in its second adaptation, a pair of opposed side panels and parallel foldable joints. Adhesive means are further provided for attaching and placing the blank/stand in the desired position and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Seth Seaberg
  • Patent number: 6220555
    Abstract: A display device having a display section and a support section, both formed from a sheet of stiff bendable and resilient material such as heavy weight paper and thin plastic. A base panel extends horizontally across the sheet with two slots of equal length extending vertically and generally symmetrically from the base panel for a small portion of the length of the sheet. A hinge formed by a crease is located horizontally between the two slots midway between the ends of the slots forming an upper panel and a lower panel between the slots and the hinge extends on both sides of the slots across the sheet. Another hinge is located at the top of the upper panel and still another hinge is located across the top of the base panel. The sheet bends at the crease on both sides of the slots forming a front display. The upper panel and lower panel bend so that the base panel is aligned with the lower panel. The lower edge of the base panel is placed directly beneath the upper edge of the upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Philip Cru Chase
  • Patent number: 6206207
    Abstract: A portable saddle holder including a generally rectangular sheet of plastic material formed to have a generally parabolic shaped cross section taken perpendicular to the long axis of said folded sheet. The cross section has an upper portion shaped to form part of the circumference of a circle having a radius related to the tree width and associated panel spacing of the saddle. The height of the portable saddle holder is also related to the length of the flaps of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Peggy E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6168033
    Abstract: A carton box retainer for a plurality of carton boxes each having opposed ends. The retainer includes a retention member having a plurality of pairs of connection elements spaced along the retention member, each pair of connection elements being connectable to the opposed ends of a carton box for attaching the carton box to the retention member. The connection elements are detachably secured to the carton box and/or the remainder of the retention member in order to enable the carton boxes to be separated from the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Andre Philip Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6161901
    Abstract: A foldable furniture structure has a base which supports a load bearing sheet. The base is formed as a closed, foldable structure including two roughly parallel end sheets hingedly connected along corresponding edges by two sides, each of which is foldable along at least one intermediate vertical hinge. The base is thus foldable in a bellows-type motion between a closed state in which the two parallel end sheets are brought together with the sides folded between them, and an open state in which the two parallel end sheets are pulled apart. The load bearing sheet is hingedly attached to each of the upper edges of the two end sheets and has at least one intermediate hinge deployed parallel to the upper edges of end sheets. The dimension of load bearing sheet between the attachments to the upper edges of the end sheets is chosen to delimit a fully open configuration of the base such that the sides are opened to a bellows angle of no more than about 90.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Dror Avner
  • Patent number: 6149111
    Abstract: A support device includes a flexible sheet material foldable to form a three-dimensional two-sided A-frame structure having at least a pair of substantially aligned predetermined holes, one above the other and a pole-like element insertable through the vertically aligned holes and supported by the three-dimensional folded structure, the pole-like element maintaining the flexible sheet material as the three-dimensional two-sided A-frame structure when folded. The flexible sheet material is preferably a die-cut and scored piece of material such as cardboard. The holes may be formed within corresponding tab-like sections of the flexible sheet material. According to an embodiment, the three-dimensional two-sided a-frame structure is a retail point-of-purchase display sign support and the pole-like element is a support for a display sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Marc I. Epstein
  • Patent number: 6126254
    Abstract: A counter display for cosmetics includes a substantially one piece corrugated paperboard comprising a rear wall, sidewalls having inner and outer side wall panels, top wall panel and bottom wall panel attached to each other at foldlines. A top section is formed with a top section front wall panel and with flaps that fold against the side and front panels. A bottom section is formed with further flaps and panels that form a bottom shelf and a bottom front wall panel. The bottom section forms a shelf that is locked to a slot in the rear wall with a tab. Shelves have flaps that are locked to the side walls between the inner and outer side wall panels. The upper side wall inner and outer panels lock top wall flaps in place. The inner panels are locked in place by tabs and slots in the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen Thomas Maglione
  • Patent number: 6119875
    Abstract: Merchandise is suspended from support rods reliably held against tipping by support columns of folded sheet material. Each column has opposite corners formed with holes through which the rods extend. Flaps within the columns have additional holes for supporting the rods. Facing panels overlie and screen the columns. The panels and the columns rest on a base. The assembly comprises a display stand especially suitable for supporting bulky and/or heavy merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6116553
    Abstract: A fireworks display 10 is provided for easy transport to display sites in compact form where it can be unfolded and assembled to place fireworks in an elevated position. The elevated position of the fireworks increase the viewing zone for spectators and allows the fireworks sparks to burn longer as they free fall to the ground. The stand 10 includes first and second vertical panels 30, 40, reinforcing strips 70 for increasing rigidity of the panels 30, 40, and a cap 50 for displaying the fireworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Scott A. McKee
  • Patent number: 6102342
    Abstract: A unitary structure for supporting a hose nozzle has an angled support surface formed between two generally vertical walls. The walls are attached to the ends of two legs at an angle of approximately 30.degree. so that the legs intersect the ground at an angle of approximately 60.degree. for stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: George A. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6098820
    Abstract: A display stand includes a plurality of panels which are supportably held in an erect condition by a plurality of rear support sections which are retained in a deployed condition by a pair of locking flaps which are secured in a locked condition. The stand is self-standing and resistant to tipping and overturning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6068140
    Abstract: A display unit comprising a flame and a plurality of trays, which may be removably mounted thereon. The frame is constructed from a one-piece cardboard blank, and comprises a back panel, sides, a top and a bottom. The sides, top and bottom are foldable into a double-wall configuration for added strength and stability. The trays include anchors and anchoring tabs for securing the trays to the frame. The trays may be divided into a plurality of compartments and may include a single or multiple tiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: NK Lawn & Garden Co.
    Inventors: Russell E. Mangrum, J. Wayne Martin
  • Patent number: 6056120
    Abstract: A collapsible lollipop display device comprises first and second walls inclined obliquely upwardly toward one another, whereby respective upper edges thereof are arranged in parallel and hinged to one another, enabling the walls to be swung toward one another to a collapsed state, and away from one another to an unfolded state. Each of the walls includes a plurality of parallel channels, the channels of each wall being inclined downwardly in a direction away from the channels of the other wall. A row of lollipops is situated in the channels of each wall. When the device is in the collapsed (compact) state, and loaded with lollipops, the device can be wrapped in plastic shrink wrap for shipping. At a retail store, the device can be unwrapped and unfolded to serve as a display device for the lollipops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Adams & Brooks, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 6053462
    Abstract: A supporting frame structure is formed by two oppositely disposed and substantially identically shaped halves made of a bendable elastic material. Each half is made of a foil (1). The foil (1) contains about in the middle a round or square opening (2) and on one side an incision in the shape of a cutting line (3). The cutting line (3) extends radially from the edge of the foil to the opening (2). The two foils (1), disposed opposite to each other in parallel planes, are deformed by rotation of the cutting edges by about 90.degree. out of the original foil plane in the direction of their counterpart. Subsequently, the in each case oppositely disposed cutting edges are connected to each other providing for a common, stable, and support-providing frame structure based on a mutually suspending winding tension of the two structure halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Latzel
  • Patent number: 6048032
    Abstract: A foldable seat or support structured from one or more blanks made of a lightweight and waterproof material which are tightly secured together at their ends and are cut and scored to provide fold lines and integral and foldable panels which can easily and quickly be folded into an assembled and operable seat or support capable of supporting heavy loads and capable of being used repeatedly even after being exposed to moisture. The seat is also structured to permit certain panels of the assembled and operable seat to be unfolded and thereafter refolded in a certain manner or sequence for a quick conversion into a tightly secured and self contained compact bundle or package for carrying, for use as a seat cushion, or for storage. A shoulder strap can be attached to the tightly secured bundle for ease of carrying or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Harry Malcolm Stewart
  • Patent number: 6015121
    Abstract: A stand for supporting an item in an upright manner and which includes a base portion (1), a plurality of side portions (2) hinged to the base portion (1) so that they can be folded to be substantially flat with the base (1) or orientated at an angle to the base (1) for supporting the item, biasing element (26, 27) responsive to the item being inserted in the stand to bias each side portion into contact with the item for support in the stand, and an element (8) for supporting each side portion at an angle to the base against the bias force direction wherein each side portion supporting element (8) is releasable for folding the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Martin Shaun Reid
  • Patent number: 6010106
    Abstract: A display board including a pair of opposing edges 1, 1' with at least one flap 3, 3', 4, 4' at each edge. The flaps between them holding a fold-over article, such as a magazine. Each flap being foldable along the edge 1, 1' onto the display board, so that the flap will be inside the fold-over article when that article is on the display board. The flap, or a part of the flap, is also foldable at right angles to the edge, so that upon mounting of the article on the board, folding the flap inside the article adjacent its spine and then folding the article onto itself, party of the flap B can be arranged on top of the article with the right angle fold 7 of the flap behind the spine of the article, whereby the article is prevent from falling off the display board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Posit Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Clive Commissar
  • Patent number: 5984120
    Abstract: A point-of-purchase display system for shipping and displaying articles therewithin, the display system utilizes facilitated articulation while maximizing display area, and the display system comprises at least one modular tray member. The at least one modular tray member includes an inner liner having a tray support member and a tray divider member for securing and displaying articles therein. An outer tray is operably associated with the inner liner, and the outer tray has a bottom panel, a back panel, and two side panels. Each of the side panels includes a biasable flap, which, upon articulation, covers the exposed side wall edges of both the outer tray and inner liner. Each biasable flap includes a locking tab for operably engaging a tab locking slot on the bottom panel to secure the biasable flap therein. The invention further includes a method for forming a point-of-purchase display system for shipping and displaying articles therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Johnske
  • Patent number: 5971148
    Abstract: An article for use with a laptop computing device protects the device during periods of non-use, including transport, while stabilizing the device when positioned on a user's lap. The article provides a base panel having front, rear and two side sections, a lower surface adapted to rest on a user's lap, and an upper surface to receive the bottom surface of the laptop device. The preferred embodiment includes two side panels, each with a storage compartment, which may be dressed over the user's thighs to assist in stabilizing the laptop device during use. Attachment means are preferably provided for securing the side panels to one another across the top surface of the computing device during periods of non-use or transport. Preferably flexible front and rear panels may also be folded over and onto the top surface of the computer in overlapping fashion beneath the secured side panels to create a protective device wrapper in conjunction with surrounding closure means and a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: W. Shaun Jackson
  • Patent number: 5971168
    Abstract: A holder for a taco shell is formed with a taco shell receiving trough which is adapted for supporting a taco shell substantially upright. The taco shell receiving trough is defined by a narrow longitudinal support base panel having opposed longitudinal spaced-apart straight edges. An outwardly inclined rectangular side wall panel extends from each of the straight edges to form a substantially V-shaped receiving trough. A brace panel of rectangular shape extends from a straight top edge of each of the side wall panels and extends at an outward angle therefrom to a flat, surface engaging, support foot lying in a substantially common or parallel plane with the support base panel. A composite bottom connecting wall maintains the support base panel, the side wall panels, the brace panels and the support feet in a taco support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Michel Proulx
  • Patent number: 5946834
    Abstract: A multiple panel foldable greeting card and method of making has abutting surfaces of adjacent panels in a folded configuration adhered together in at least two different areas so that a fold line or fold lines which connect the panels can be partially or entirely eliminated in a secondary die cutting operation without detaching the panels, and the card can be folded out into a three dimensional configuration. The edges of the panels and cut-outs may be chamfered by use of a chamfered cutting die and blade in primary or secondary cutting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Sterling E. Lani Bradley
  • Patent number: 5934487
    Abstract: A data document handling or processing apparatus with a plurality of continuous, angular top surfaces to hold checks to be processed and an open side for the insertion of a computer keyboard to expose the numerical keyboard section for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Dianne E. Hoeg
  • Patent number: 5921011
    Abstract: A point of purchase display for securing a display sign to a side of a box is disclosed. The point of purchase display comprises a holder base having a plurality of foldable sections. Preferably, a middle section and two connecting sections are folded and inserted into a back bone of a display sign. Two end sections and the two connecting sections preferably each comprise a slot which slots are pushed over the side of a box. Thus, each of the end sections and the connecting sections have a portion which pushes against a front of the side of the box and a portion which pushes against a rear of the side of the box for securely retaining the display sign above the box. Preferably, the display sign and the back bone are also made from foldable sections such that the apparatus may be easily shipped for assembly at the designated display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Hawyer, Inc.
    Inventor: James Hawver
  • Patent number: 5904330
    Abstract: A window-mounted camera mount and bird feeder comprises a camera mount having a plurality of spaced suction cups for adhering the camera mount to an inner side of a window unit, and a bird feeder having a plurality of spaced suction cups similar in number and in individual locations on the bird feeder to the number and individual locations of the plurality of suction cups on the camera mount, for adhering the bird feeder to an outer side of the window unit with the respective suction cups on the bird feeder aligned with the corresponding suction cups on the camera mount to achieve picture-taking alignment of the camera mount and the bird feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Manico, Richard N. Blazey, Richard S. Keirsblick, John K. McBride
  • Patent number: 5904410
    Abstract: A furniture model system is provided including at least one model furniture piece having a three dimensional rectilinear configuration and a picture on each of the faces thereof which simulate an associated view of a related furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald D. Davies
  • Patent number: 5899345
    Abstract: A multiple product display stand is disclosed which is free-standing and generally rectangular in shape with a rearwardly inclined open front to more openly display the products to the consumer. The display stand has a means for presenting additional packaging to consumers so that they will be able to select and package a desired selection of the products being displayed upon one or more vertically spaced, rearwardly inclined shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Stephen M. Fuller, Stuart B. Bickley, Casey E. Coleman, Jr., Jerry N. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5884783
    Abstract: A holder for a taco shell or the like is formed with a taco shell receiving trough which is adapted for supporting a taco shell substantially upright. The taco shell receiving trough is defined by a narrow longitudinal support base panel having opposed longitudinal spaced-apart straight edges. An outwardly inclined rectangular side wall panel extends from each of the straight edges to form a substantially V-shaped receiving trough. A brace panel of rectangular shape extends from a straight top edge of each of the side wall panels and extends at an outward angle therefrom to a flat, surface engaging, support foot lying in a substantially common or parallel plane with the support base panel. A composite bottom connecting wall maintains the support base panel, the side wall panels, the brace panels and the support feet in a taco support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michel Proulx
  • Patent number: 5868367
    Abstract: A display stand includes a main body of a sleeve-shaped configuration including a first main portion, a second main portion, a pair of foldable side portions pivotably interconnecting the first and second main portions, a first auxiliary portion pivotably connected to the first main portion and extending across at least a part of the open upper end of the tubular formation in the erect condition, and a second auxiliary portion pivotably connecting the first auxiliary portion and depending down from the first auxiliary portion in the erect condition. At least one elastic element is connected to and extends between the lower end of the second main portion and the second auxiliary portion. This element acts directly on the second auxiliary portion and only through the same on the other portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5853336
    Abstract: A golf club handle support for keeping handles of golf clubs lying on the ground in a raised position above the ground. The handle support comprises a stiff sheet defining a central foldline to form sidewalls on each side of the foldline. This permits the sheet to assume a substantially inverted V-shape in cross section so that the remote edges parallel to the foldline may engage the ground and a golf club may rest on the sidewalls at or adjacent to the foldline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: John W. Hufgard
  • Patent number: 5833202
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system is disclosed in which standard micro-optical elements are initially mounted on respective one-piece frames which in turn may be secured in position on a mounting plate. Each frame has a platform to which at least three legs are flexurally joined along respective hinge axes. In one embodiment, the legs include corresponding spherical segments for point-contact with the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the legs include corresponding foot portions connected by a ball-joint for three-degrees of rotational freedom. The one-piece frames may be efficiently manufactured by laser beam cutting or punching a steel sheet. The proposed fastening system enables uni- or multi-dimensional layouts to be created using automatic placing and fastening technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Leica AG
    Inventor: Andreasch Wolfgang
  • Patent number: 5826732
    Abstract: A collapsible point-of-purchase display apparatus articulable from a single unitary blank of foldable material, and upon articulation, positionable and free standing on a support surface, without formal assembly at the point of purchase location. The apparatus includes a frame and at least one shelf for the display of goods thereon. Furthermore, the apparatus is capable of being reversibly further articulated from its substantially upright, rigid three dimensional display configuration to a substantially flat, planar collapsed configuration for efficient shipment. The apparatus may further include a header board attached to the back panel of the apparatus to further promote and advertise the goods displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: Linda Ragsdale
  • Patent number: 5819453
    Abstract: A collapsable display stand is disclosed which includes a vertical pole having a rotatable element. The display stand has hexagonal top and bottom openings and twelve sides to provide a spiral twist-like appearance. The display stand is formed from a foldable blank having two free ends and six integral rectangular panels separated by a set of parallel first fold lines respectively located along the sides of the rectangular panels. The rectangular panels also have a second set of fold lines located diagonally in the panels and parallel to each other to define two triangular panel segments in each of the rectangular panels. The rectangular panels also have a central opening formed along their associated diagonal fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Lance H. Eichert, Joseph P. Zucconi
  • Patent number: 5819493
    Abstract: A new Height Adjustable Rebar Support System for supporting rebar at various elevations during pouring and curing of concrete with a single adjustable support member. The inventive device includes a first panel having a first lower slot, a second panel pivotally attached to the first panel having a second lower slot, an aperture and a notch into the first panel near the first lower slot, and a beaded cord secured to the second panel. The end of the beaded cord opposite of the second panel selectively engages the first panel through the aperture thereby adjusting the separation of the first panel with respect to the second panel opposite of the pivoting point. The beaded cord comprises a plurality of color coded beads for indicating the exact height selected with a selected color of bead juxtaposed to the first panel within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Michael LeMoignan